Language use for presenting data

‘Showing not telling’ when commenting on your tables and figures

When presenting data, it is better to point out the important trend or findings that can be inferred from the table or figure, as opposed to just reiterating the values that the readers can already see.

Provide the readers with sufficient information for a conclusion about a result. Show them how the data or trend is significant rather than just telling them that the findings are significant.

Rather than repeat the content contained in the table or figure, it is important to interpret the content for the reader. That is, to help the reader understand why the content is meaningful, or the message it conveys.

Tools to help you identify significance for the reader include:

  • Having a cross reference to the table or figure.
    • Example: “Table 2 shows levels of intolerance are 9, 15 and 20 during early, mid and late adolescence in the male group, respectively.”
    • Example: “Levels of intolerance are highest during late adolescence in the male group (Table 2).”
  • Referring only to the relevant data from the table or figure required for your explanation, rather than referring to all the data.
  • Comparing and contrasting data from the table or figure to help show relationships and significance.

Using adjectives strategically to help convey significance.